We're still alive. Due to a 2-0 win on Sunday versus a well-rounded and determined Tsunami team, we are advancing to the division championship. Should we win, we will likely earn promotion to the Second Division.
Sunday's game was one of our best matches in recent memory. Despite having only 11 players available, we were able to solidify all areas of the pitch with a balanced defense, midfield, and attack.
We started the first half with a few minutes of being turned on our heels. When Anna made her first save, she distributed nicely and we were able to gain possession and assume some control over the pace of the game. We set up some great chances right in front of the goal that we just failed to finish. After the first quarter water break, we continued the pressure. Adrian capitalized on a short clearance and hit a blast of a first-time shot from the right side for the go-ahead goal in about the 35'. We went into the half with a slim lead - "the worst kind of lead" according to Anna - and some gripes about an arm block in the box that was not called in our favor. The ref warned us to complain less and play more. This is advice that we will take, and it's probably going to be the subject of a future post.
The second half was eventful. In about the 50', Jon sent in a beautiful, authoritative shot. That second goal ignited Tsunami, who pushed everyone up and arguably deployed their players in a better fashion than before. We had trouble containing 4 capable offensive-minded men and 2 solid women, including a winger who hit the cross bar twice. We were on our heels for at least 15 minutes.
Liz earned a yellow card for defending a throw in, but she handled it well and the team recovered. When we successfully defended a 10-yard free kick awarded allegedly because Carlos passed back to the GK (how in the world was that a passback?), we had the game won. Kudos to Anna for guiding us through that mess.
Congrats to Tsunami, who played another excellent match. Their keeper was outstanding, as was their attacking midfield and wing play. I'm sure we'll see them around some more - perhaps we'll see them for pick up or in a future tournament collaboration.
Next stop: the dreaded Team X for the Division Championship.
Notes: Semi-final playoff match, 2-0 win versus Tsunami Naranja on June 24, 2007 at GWU/Mount Vernon. Goals by Adrian (solo), Jon (NK). GK: Anna.
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